



/ ' 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

Shelf ...:..^..iAip 



FMTED STATES OF AMERICA. 



I 



I 



41 ElSf #1!0 ipeil 



IN MEMOMIA OF 




-BT- 



This work will be preserved by many as 

a memoir of the martyred president, 

\A^hose untimely death will be 

long regretted by the 

people. 



^I^ICE;, 15 OEISTTS. 



A POEM 



IN MEMORIA OF 



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Ji 



-BY— 



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JOHN WESLEY CROUTER, 



j.(jr 1 fut..,;) (- 



r •. -^ ■•* 'i' . ' '■ 



Woodstock, III: ' "''' 
sentinel book and job print, 

1882. 



lr 






To THE Reader: 

This work was not written to turnisli a subject for 
tlie animadversions of the hypercritical. The author 
lias endeavored to give a condensed poetical memoir 
of one of ximerica's greatest statesmen. 

Personal pronouns are used to express the univer- 
sally acknowledged sentiments and opinions of the 
people regarding the regretted and horrible asassina- 
tionof this great man. 

The Author. 



COPYRIGHTED. )SR'2 J. W. CROUTER. 



CL- 



Homer, in his Head, sang: of the braves ; 
He wrote epics on those who filled honored graves. 
Heartless is the man who no souvenir would keep, 
And for loss of loved ones never can weep. 
The greatest men liaveshed tears for the dead. 
Such men for their country have suffered and bled. 
Every patriot cares some memento to save 
Of the nation's heros who sleep in the grave. 



AT THE 

Station oi^ tbjs Maltimome S Potomac S. M. 

9: 20 A. M., JULY 2D, 1881. 



He stood unmindful of bis doom. 
In conscious strength, manly, serene; 

When fragrant flowers were in bloom 
He fell — then horror enwraps the scene. 

Now comes the sudden gush of woe, 
Where all seemed fair as sunlight beam, 

Like from clouds which more somber grow, 
Came direful stroke like lightnings gleam. 

Kone thought that an assassin's hand 
Would stain our nation with such a deed. 

When thrift was seen in all our land, 
Then our noble chief should bleed. 

James A. Garfield has gone to his last resting place, 
No more on earth we'll hear his voice, or see his face, 
He is dead, the words cause sad feelings o'er us to steal, 
Language fails to express the poignant woe we feel ; 
True he was only man, yet he our chosen chief. 
His death, like loss of parent, fills our hearts with grief. 



'Tis right to mourn the loss of servants who long hath served. 

And from their incumbant duties, hath never swerved. 

How much more this man, wlio, to his country true, 

Gave it his best service, as a thing that is due. 

Garfield was not a martyr to some noble cause, 

He was wounded in defiance of our laws. 

Had Garfield been a tyrant, with despotic swav, 

AVe would not had him killed in such dastardly way. 

But he was thoroughly taught in Freedom's school, 

By the majority he was chosen to rule; 

No envy was ever seen expressed m liis face. 

He sought not but deserved the most honored place. 

Garfield's ollice was the constitution to defend. 

And to sundry laws and acts his wise counsels to lend. 

It was liis duty to suppress insurrection in our land. 

And to show clemency, though scepterloss his liand. 

Garfield was brave and sagacious on the battlefield. 

We could trust him the executive to wield; 

By law, as well as love of right, he was restrained 

From imitating kings, wlio through corruption reigned. 

He was not egotistic in liis partisan fights. 

Yet he was firm in the maintenance of right; 

Our love for him increased as he evinced his force 

In lessening stealth by a judicious course; 

"With him at the helm the shin of statt" was safe. 

Not drifting with the tide like rudderless waif. 

Garfield was a parent and had a loving heart. 

With his consort, care of childhood, he shared his part. 

He had immunity from congressional strife, 

We thought that general good-will would guard his life. 

That he should be tracked and shot in broad lighc of day. 

When to see his loved ones he was just on his way, 

Was a thing passing strange and well nigh disbelief. 

But the deed was done and we grieved o'er our fallen 

chief. 
The assassin of Garfield must have been a gnome. 
Like Job's tormentor who in earth was said to roam ; 
What cruel feeling must have swelled bis savage breast, 



Not his a true religion which gave no rest. 

Thwarted with ambitious designs, and luilf crazed 

That to a high position he coula not l)e raised, 

And delayed in gaining the office which he sought. 

This filled his murderous heart with cruel thought. 

True, one's heart grows sick where hopes are long deferred ; 

But whence the assassin's hopes when he so oft had erred? 

If in his brain great and noble thoughts had birth, 

lie would have pitied those who did not know his worth; 

When of his claims to office very few took heed, 

Forbearing, he would not have done this horrid deed. 

He studied theology the Christian rules to learn, 

Yet with love of man his feeling seldom burn— 

The Sayior loved the people, and they hosanna cried ; 

Christ did not hate the King, but for the people died. 

It was the Priest and rich who led the cruel van, 

And caused them to cry, crucify the Son of man. 

When Christ was crucitied, to His nature true. 

He cried Father forgive them, they know not what they do. 

If the assassin of Garfield in such love had stood fast, 

At the thought of murder he would have stood aghast, 

Nor could believe, that Christ a dispensation gave 

That through a foul murder he would some party save. 

No, no, this was the mad assassin's weak excuse. 

His unreasoning prate with foolish tongue let loose 

Ambition more tnan love of man, swayed his heart, 

To practice law, preach, or with his goods to part; 

Had he been good, or wise, and others' good had sought. 

He would not have been filled with murderous thought. 

For weeks the assassin on this deed was bent, 

Watching for a chance to shoot the President. 

The peaceful President of the American nation. 

Was passing through the Baltimore and Potomac station. 

When the fellow with wierd eyes, gleaming red, 

Was ready to commit a crime direful and dread; 

He thought to kill the President right on the. spot, 

Twice he fired but made only one effective shot. 

The President exclaimed what did he shoot me fori 



Garfield would not have been surprised had lie fell in war. 
Back to the White House Garfield was borne with fears; 
As the news was wired o'er earth, eyes were tilled with tears. 
From the seaside came Garfield's loving wife 
Willi cheering voice, to keep alive the spark of life. 
Words of sviupathy came from rulers of other lands; 
Many of them had suffered tiirough desperadoes hands. 
Enquiring words came from Great Britian's Queen, 
Iler eldest son, our gentle courtesy had seen — 
The Empress of India has a kindly heart, though she wears 

a crown. 
E'en thougli on her vast empire, the sun goes not down. 
Canada, also, her words of sympathy sent, 
Eniiuiring almost ilaily, how fairs the President. 
These enquiries came from people whose speech is like our 

own, 
But every nation sent them, and all of kindly tone. 
That Garfield might live, many prayed as they were taught, 
They asked not that a miracle should be wrought; 
But for God to aid both human skill and human care, 
'J'hat He to usefulness again his life mi^'ht spare. 
In fancied thought, we saw where the President lay. 
W^racked with pain, and suffering with fever day by day, 
Saw him struggling to live, while hurt with mortal wound, 
Aided by his gentle wife, with loving voice attunea; 
Her tears and fears were kept for some secret place; 
'Twas best, that in her looks he no concern should trace. 

She wore for him a smiling face, 
When his was touched with gloom. 

Like the roses, she sought to cheer 
His sadness with pel fume. 

Iler's is the tender, loving heart, 

That's touched by every sigh. 
Ever ready to soothe a pain, 

A heroine when death was nigh. 



Noble aad worthy is such a wife, 
Wherever her lot may be; 

Like a rainbow in the storm of life, 
Or haven from the raging sea. 



Eagerly we read the bulletins morn or night, 

jSToticing each improvinc^ change with great delight. 

To cool Garfield's room, there was a new device ; 

'Twas a machine to blow air over blocks of ice. 

In his room and o'er his brow caiTi« the cooler air 

Like the air of spring when violets are blooming fair. 

A.non Garfield grew stronger, and we began to hope 

That his great will with death like wound would cope. 

^ow his wife's more joyful face filled his heart with bliss, 

Prompting him to return her one enraptured kiss; 

Then doleful citizens wore a happier mein. 

Gossiping cheerfully with a slight laugh between. 

It gave us pleasure that Garfield expressed the wish 

To have some steak; it should have been some fish. 

Both salmon and trout digest with greatest ease. 

And the flavor of them each is just the thing to please. 

Garfield asked, "Who is president of the United States?" 

Yet he obeyed doctor's, who each others skill berates. 

But Garfield listened to what his doctors said. 

Since they were right it was safest he obeyed. 

For several days the President had been near death's brink. 

But he was better now, and he perforce must think. 

From thinking of state affaiis he was debarred. 

Although restrained, he still showed that he cared. 

But his thoughts wander back to manhood's early life. 

To the days when he was happy with his youthful wife. 

With promises he bade her hope for golden days ; 

Or, with naivete he extoled her meed with praise. 

What though she could not boast of aristocratic birth, 

Her head and face and acts evinced her queenly worth. 

In all the vicissitudes through eventful years, 

Her courage, faith and fortitude subdued her fears; 

While with difficulties and slanders her husband strove. 



She ever cheered him with confiding and earnest love. 
Though in battle her husband might perish in strife. 
Duty to God and country was guide to her life. 

Carefully she trained her darling boys. 
Since good boys are the pride of a mother's heart. 

Though none the less of a fatiier's joys, 
Since with his gains they shared a part. 

While she taught her boys to learn their Greek, 

She also trained her daughter too; 
That each to others should gently speak 

And courtesy show, to whom 'tis due. 

For such a woman's sake Garfield would live, 
AVas pleased when tlie Presidential chair; 

But a greater pleasure he did receive. 
Was tlie joy that his wife was near him there. 

Doubtless Garfield thought over the things that are stated 

here. 
Pleasing reminiscences, his present state of cheer. 
The bulletins grew more cheering day by day. 
And anxiety grew less and some quite ceased to pray. 
Sick person weary of things which run iji the same groove. 
Hence (iarfield from Washington may liave wished to move ; 
Doubtless he yearned to qo to some mountainous height. 
Where pure air fill convalescents with delight, 
Since bracing air his appetite would revive. 
Was lie not strong enough, the journey to survive? 
The Virginia mountains were not so far away 
But he could have been moved there in less than a day; 
The cars running slow, the journey would be smooth, 
Tlie d(jctors could say no. but were tliey rieht forsooth. 
Tliough (Jariield could not go he could in fancy ride. 
From a miasmatic place up the mountain side, 
Where he could see from mountain's brow down tlie vales, 
Where shallops lloat on rivers, witli their white like sails; 
f)r in tlie scopes see trees that are storm worn and old, 
Tiien he could watch the sun seeming to set in a sea of gold; 



Or on the morrow see the sun rise in mists of gray, 

Or see its rellected rays on hill sides far away 

Intensifying the colors of their sylvan sides, 

Now making the streams sparkle as they run to the tides, 

Then deepening the shadows of the mountain glens. 

Where carnivorous animals have their dens. 

There Garfield's friends could have strolled in woodland 

bowers 
And gathered to please him pretty wildwood flowers; 
Or they could have an4,led to catch the spotted fish. 
Which would have made for him such a toothsome dish. 
Xearly every day there would be a change of scene. 
From dew spangled leaves to meadows bright and green; — 
Sometimes mists would cover the valleys below. 
Making them seem like lakes over which skiffs might go; 
These mists were charged Avith poisons fever producing, 
Though with many they are not sickness inducing. 
Where individuals are strong and coarse as they may be 
They may from malarial fevers be quite. free: 
But weakly persons may from the low lands ascend, 
For regaining health, pure air its help should lend. 
Doubtless many of these thoughts ran through Garfield's 

brain. 
Until brought back to his state by a piercing pain. 
For pyremia and miasma were both at work ; 
These insiduous foes with weakness ever lurks. 



Athwart the sky the storm cloud crept. 

We bowed ourselves in sorrow. 
But its shadow increased while we slept, 

To darken the sky on the morrow. 



Our pale lips trembled as we wept, 
And prayed. Oh! stay its coming; 

And nearer yet the shadows crept, 
A noble life consuming. 



lO 

We fought against the doom so long. 
While of recovery there were traces, 

IIoi)ing witli care he would get strong 
And be saved from death's embraces. 

Alter Garfield was shot, search was made for the ball ; 

It was thought it lodged in the abdominal wall. 

The course of the bullet from a straight line had veered, 

And until it was incysted danger was feared, 

The wound from the bottom should commence to heal. 

What to do in his case each symptom would reveal. 

It was found necessary, a new wound to make. 

So that tlie pus a straigliter direction coula take. 

After the incision was made new hopes were had ; 

Each promise of restoration made us feel glad. 

Again, when his pains and fever had nearly ceased. 

And his new wound was healing and his strength increased. 

Prevented from reading much, but with" his active brains 

In fancy his thoughts go back to boyhood's life again; 

He remembered the selfish rich and proudly learned; 

He thought perhaps that they the poor bov spurned ; 

Why some are rich or learned, !;the question I may solve; 

If I gain learning and riches, I'll make the strong resolve. 

An orphan and poor, how can I a fortune make. 

But my mother is wise. I will her counsel take. 

Garlield thought e'er these things to wlnle the hours away. 

For his wounds to Jieal it would take many a day. 

GAu field's boyhood. 

Unlike the playmates of his day. 

He early made some great resolves; 
He loved his studies more than play, 

He wished to know why earth revolves. 

Dearly he loved to go to school, 
Ilis mother gave her glad consent. 

And wist not that he yet would rule, 
But pleased that he on tasks was bent. 



11 

Full well she loved her babv boy, 
E'en though her lo^ house was not grand; 

He yet might fill her heart with joy, 
And be the pride of native land 

Garfield's head showed that he was a reverent boy. 

Obedience and love of mother was his greatest joy ; 

He scorned not humble work but always did his best; 

He allowed no useless sport to cheat him of his rest; 

Nature gave him brains, but mineral wealth begrudged. 

Hence to earn some cash the tow paths coarse be trudged. 

Soon he changed from driver to boatman's place. 

Here he had to fight or meet sore disgrace; 

There was room for one boat at a time in the locks, 

And boatmen often quarreled nigh these tiers of rocks. 

Though he was loth to engage in brutal fights. 

He faithfully worked and maintained his rights; 

He saw that lesser sKill could do humble work. 

Though he was not too proud his honest share to shirk ; 

For boatmen or sailor, Garfield lost the whim. 

Since in his early life he did not learn to swim. 

Often wet he contracted an ague cake, 

Hence he determined another coarse to take. 

He found that teaching school was his natural fort. 

Though teaching great rude boys, he found no idle sport; 

But ho was brave and strong, and larger boys must learn, 

He must do good and toil who honest pay would earn; 

Should he wages receive, he earnest work should do. 

Some boys would not learn, save them he would subdue. 

But these unruly boys he always made to yield, 

He conquered them as later he did on battlefield. 

He learned and taught, then learned through a college course 

Without a trade, or wealth, he still much teach perforce. 

At Hiram college both Greek and Latin he taught, 

Although he was in debt yet he great changes wrought. 

Garfield was thorough, of success he had no fear. 

Students flocked to Hiram college both far and near. 



12 

The college was in debt, a thing: that was deplored, 
With Garfield's management, its credit was restored. 
His heart burned with a desire to uo good, 
He felt it his duty to preach because he could; 
To the cause of temper.mce he was ever true. 
To tliese principles much of his success was due. 
Garfield's first political speecli had the sterling ring, 
Presaging that in time it would great honors bring. 
Perliaps this success caused him to maKe the choice 
That would secure the fame in which men rejoice. 
He became a senator when twenty -eight years old. 
In voters confidence he seldom lost his hold. 
J. D. C.)x was Garfield's most intimate friend, 
And toward each otlier their willing help did lend. 
Xow Garfield pushed his law studies, wilh all his might, 
He who wins life's battles, must be earnest in tlie fight; 
Soon of the supreme court he was aiimitted at the bar, 
And wealthier comrades, he had outstript them far. 

GARFIELD AS GENERAL, 

In eighteen hundred and sixty one 

When seditions acts were rife. 
When America's war had begun 

And thousands would perish in strife; 

Noble Garfield we needed then, 

Needed his courage in that trying hour 

To '•aise Ohio's twenty thousand men. 
When brave hearts were known to cower. 

First in Senate and tfien in front, 

Serving in legislature or in field, 
Keady to meet the enemies' brunt, 

In battle never known to yield. 

Near Chickamauga on autumn day 
The Confederate soldiers were massed. 

With loaded guns and in battle array. 
While close opposing squadrons passed. 



13 



'Twas on Sunday morn was heard in awe 
The first reverberating sound of s"n. 

Then soon on hill tops seried cannons saw- 
Raining shells while smoke darkened the sun. 

The gentle zephyrs were sighing low 

Underneath the moss clad eaves. 
When was heard the loud bugle blow 

Amidst the golden colored sheaves. 

Soon grav coated warriors passed 

Through monntain glens and passes wide. 

And quickly the blue brigades were massed 
Xear Chickamauga's crystal tide; 

As chief of staff, Garfield the orders wrote 
That guided the captain of the marshaled host; 

He wrote all save one, a single note, 
Yet through this a great battle was lost. 

Then bold Longstreet's thickening host 
Dashed through the lines though red with flame, 

Midst cannon roar, The right is lost! 
Brave Rosecrans was heard to exclaim. 

We have the left our Garfield cries, 
My fate and it shall be joined together; 

While Thomas holds the ground that lies. 
On the banks of Chickamauga river. 

Rosecrans consents to his request. 

To return at once to the battle's brunt; 

To aid the army of the west. 

That was maintaining unbroken front. 

Then swift on coursing charger borne, 
He bravely threads the woods again. 

Which twice with shot and shell was mown, 
And thickly scattered o'er with slain. 



14 

Midst gleams of fl.ime near hillside brown. 
Through deep gorges and glens concealed, 

Ohio's hero speeds his way down. 
Close on the raging battle field. 

Then midst the roar of cannons dire. 
The union rifled arms he henrs; 

The left is saved though swept with fire; 
The battle gained, each hero cheers. 

Back retreated the brigades of Bragg, 
The welkin loud with victorj- rung; 

Then the minstrels rally round the flag. 
Was with loud and jofuly chorus sung. 

Where stood the left with flag o'er head, 

Shall Garfield in history stand; 
Since glory on our armies he shed. 

Although he held the less command. 

From this battle Garfield in fame higher rose. 

Well loved by his friends and admired by his foes. 

He was thoroughly read in political lore, 

lie commanded attention when on senate floor. 

Though always firm, he was forbearing and kind; 

In great emergencies he had the prescient mind 

To grasp the situation entire, then to promptly act. 

We vainly search for a good quality which he lacked. 

Midst great excitement, who attention may claim, 

May, tlirough continued effort, win a great name. 

After Lincoln was killed, there were ten thousand men 

Who listened to Garfield's swayful eloijuence then. 

His voice arrested the New York city mob. 

Who for revenge were resolved to destroy and rob. 

For they were filled with vengeance for the martyr's death. 

But they listened to the orator witii bated breath. 

Then it was whispered 'tis General Garfield of Ohio, 

And the excitement nearly ceiised by the morrow. 

Montli after month his talents more baiiliantiy shone. 

Till o'er the land he was most favorably known. 



15 

One step liigher, a standard bearer he became, 

As leader of his party to win a nobier fame. 

On Xovember 6th it was determined by the poll. 

That Garfield's name should be on the President's roll. 

March 4th, Washington was decked in colors gaj- ; 

lV hundred thousand people thronged the streets that day. 

Garfield with uncovered head the concourse greets; 

Xo grander pageant was ever seen on the streets. 

Cheer after cheer was given as Garfield passed, 

And cornet bands wiih joy gave loudest blasts. 

Then Garfield was raised to the presidential chair; 

Soon the sky became clear and flowers Avere blooming fair. 

The evening ball was the grandest ever known, 

When the charm of beauty and ricli costumes were shown. 

For the President there was but little rest, 
Since e'er the rising of the morrow's sun; 

A rapacious pack hard on him pressed. 
Asking for reward tor victory won. 

Not for the good of the state, but for themselves, 
They made speeches or canvassed each town; 

They followed voters like phantom elves. 
Hoping for place not the country's renown. 

'Tis time for this pati'onage to cease, 

And unconstrained votes be given ; 
If we would have corruption decrease. 

The stealthy from oftice must be driven. 

Votes of civil servants may be for the w^orst, 
Some from voting should be debarred; 

Many towns with high taxes are cursed, 

Showing how little the voters cared. 

Fitness for place, not partisan strife. 
Should guide the choice of each employee; 

Civil servants may be chosen for life. 
Malfeasance should the exception be. 



IG 

Examinations should be held in each state. 
Promotion the incentive iu each birth; 

Then partisan strife Avould abate, 
And the wise would be chosen for the worth. 

Schemine: and scrambling for office was now introduced. 

When rival aspirants each others claims traduced. 

As it was then everyone wishes to be served, 

Xo matter how far from the right he had swerved. 

The petty strifes of each recalcitrant schemer, 

Was joined in by every political dreamer. 

Amongst them was one who trivial service had done. 

But merits for a high office he had little or none. 

Daily lie waited and daily more angry grew. 

Thinking if refused some one would have it to rue, 

Then he read the press animadversions of our chief. 

By killing him he would (ill the nation with grief. 

But the act would raise his party to power and i)lacp, 

Then wlien his motive was known 'twould be no disgrace, 

Thus the miscreant thought when he planned the deed. 

Tis not unlike those who hold the nihilist creed. 

Some thought that the assassin of Garfield was hired 

And was not by demoniac spirit inspired; 

]Jnt perish the thought that our giant millionaiis 

Plotted this crime in our midst, to us unawares; 

Xo, no, wealth gives means for culture and things refined. 

Gives wherewith to be generous whicli enobles the mind. 

The possession of wealth does not cause savage ire, 

]iut hunger will fill man with murderous desire. 

Was this assassin ever hungry, 'tis hard to tell, 

lie failed as a lawyer and his books would not sell ; 

lie may have become soured at 'in ungrateful world. 

Failing oft and as often his thoughts had swirled 

His ambition tempted him to soar to lofty heights. 

And his eiddy mind swam in his fancied llights; 

Anon expanding with hope when all things seemed fair, 

Then with each failure he was harrowed with despair. 

lie was enthusiastic beyond the normal state, 



17 

As to a soundness a strong doubt he did create. 

DeetQing those fools who did not agree with his views, 

Making them feign concordance for fear of abuse. 

Egotism induced him to become a preacher, 

He thought he was a great theological teacher, 

A few persons listened to him with mind intent 

But they cared not to give the poor preacher a cent. 

At last a new scheme dawned on his desparate mind, 

A new way to competency he would surely tind. 

Capitalists hired political quacks. 

Though he thought that he was better than party hacks ; _ 

Doubtless he thought his party would learn of his worth, 

Then he would receive pay or an official birth. 

With vigor he entered in the political field, 

j^eeling fit the Presidential office to wield ; 

By his aid he felt that his party a triumph had won. 

Of thousands of offices he would surely get one. 

He tried for an office and repeatedly failed, 

Then o'er his misfortunes he inwardly wailed. 

Anon cojoled, then sneered at for his little worth. 

He thought that he had scarcely a friend on earth. 

Many through favoritism fortunes had made. 

Yet he found that of all others he could not be paid. 

He could not go back to the Shaker's retreat. 

Since his conduct with them was not very discreet. 

In eftorts for fame worthy ones struggle and fail ; 

They blame no one nor o'er misfortune bewail. 

Too proud to beg they make a hut or rustic cave 

In the mountain vales, for their hearts are brave; 

A cultivated plot yields them plenty of foods. 

They have little need of fashionable goods. 

Fruit trees and berry shrubs fill their garden's wide. 

They have arbors where from the sun's rays thev may 

hide. 
To wile away the lonely hours, they fish in the streams. 
Or hunt in the woods, shaded from the sun's gleams. 
Then with cerials and berries, game and fish. 
Their fare is delicious as epicure could wish ; 



IS 

Self immured they hide away in a sylvan glen, 

Away from the strifes of implacable men. 

But the assassin of (liirfleld was not like one of these, 

lie cared mainly his love of vanity to please. 

lie knew where malicious thoughts Hil ones heart, 

He may loose a life from whicli he would not part. 

But what did he care; he failed to win wealth or fame? 

Yet he could soon win a noted felons name; 

He may have erred througli a false religious creed. 

And felt justitiecl in committing a dreadful deed. 

The Government delayed the otlice they could give. 

Oh, ha I he cries, my name side Garfield's will live. 

But such names will cease wiien better laws we make; 

His name should drop who anothers life may take; 

2s'or book nor paper their names should ever show, 

Each criminal by a letter the court should know. 

When the right to live one has shown the abuse. 

By anti mortem experiments he should be of use. 

'Tis better to learn what would injure a lung, 

Than to cause a useless felou to be hung; 

Vivisection would Phrenology prove, 

And doubts as to brain function entirely remove. 

By the aid of chloroform there need be no pain, 

For the experiments needed new knowledge to gain. 

The murderously inclined would dread this carving. 

They would prefer being punished by hanging. 

Says this one and that who cares to be free. 
As long as 1 am not hurt by another. 

Another's ill doings is nothing to me; 
I am not the keener of my brother. 

He who yields to one sin may yield again, 

T'ntil yielding a habit has become; 
'Till o'er his face is traced the damning stain. 

As plain as we see the effects of rum. 

I'liless restrained by love of right or law, 
Daily one grows in wicked deeds. 



19 

Hence each should complain of the ill deeds he saw. 
Or increase of crime will make him take heed. 

Oh Xoble Garfield who climbed the ladder of fame 

And made for tliyself such an honorable name, 

And then by no act of thy own that thou shouldst fall 

From thy eminence by an assassin's ball. 

Was something that all people deplore. 

And wish the days of desperadoes were o'er. 

Xow like a chained giant the President lay. 

With hope and purpose to get well, yet wasting away; 

Day after day as the sun shone athwart the main, 

We heard with joy that he was quite free from pain; 

And morn after morn we asked with bated breath, 

How fairs Garfield who fights the fight with death. 

And ever with hopes revived the answer came 

Garfield may recover but he is quite the same. 

Then he lingered for weeks till a swollen gland 

Made us all think that his death was at hand; 

But like a valiant warrior he rallied again. 

Again grew stronger and at times was free from pain. 

After much consultation the doctors agree 

That it would be safe to move Garfield near the sea. 

Then he was carefully moved to Long Branch 

Hoping for the time that he could sail in a launch. 

We were all pleased when we knew he was there, 

A.nd Garfield cheerfully exclaimed this is good air; 

He was glad to get a breath of pure air from the sea, 

E'en though anon hot breezes came from the lea. 

Hot and cold breezes may do for those who are well, 

But against convalescents they are sure to tell. 

Still Garfield seemed to grow better with the change. 

He was placed where his eyes could have a wider range; 

Here he could look on the ocean and view the waves, 

Or watch the white capt breakers as the strong wind raves; 

He could hear the smash of the waves as they broke on the 

sand. 
While he hoped soon to be strong enough to walk on the 

strand. 



20 

DarKness followed the day as weeks wore away. 
Yet he gained little strength eacli consecutive day; 
At last he cries out with a pain in his heart, 
Alarmed, his watchers rise with a sudden start. 
But death soon came, and his troubles were o'er, 
lie had passed the ocean oi' life to the blissful shore. 

Toll ye bells your dirgeful notes 
Let the nation's tlags fly at half mast. 

Ye cannons boom deep from your throats, 
For our loved President's life is passed. 

Let solemn requiems our sorrow show. 

While we drape our houses in mourning deep; 

Let the revelee sound mournful and slow. 
For General Garfield lies in death sleeps 

Millions the day will remember, 
"When Garfield to the tomb was borne; 

On each returning September, 
Flowers o'er his vault will be strewn. 




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